Living on Shaky Ground: The Science and Story Behind New Zealand's Earthquakes

This is the story of New Zealand's turbulent tectonics, how earthquakes are measured and described, and how scientists are predicting future shakes across New Zealand. It features some of New Zealand's lesser-known quakes, such as the most powerful quake ever recorded in New Zealand, quakes that have had deadly consequences, and the most recent tremors effecting Wellington and Marlborough. On Shaking Ground has an accessible text with in-depth science. It explains why New Zealand is affected by earthquakes and how damage is caused, with accompanying diagrams and data from GNS Science. It also includes the long history of New Zealand's earthquakes with gripping photographs and personal accounts. The must-have guide for anyone affected by earthquakes in New Zealand, those curious to know what's next in store, or anyone studying the evolving science behind them.

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Author description

Matthew Wright is one of New Zealand's most published and bestselling historians, who has written extensively on many aspects of New Zealand's past. He has qualifications in music, history and anthropology, holds postgraduate degrees in history, and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society at University College, London. Renowned for his military history, he is also well known for his work on social history, and has a passionate interest in science and technology. His work has been recognised for its detailed research, and his total of more than 50 books includes a general history of New Zealand, a history of the New Zealand Wars, books on settler society and life, and a critically acclaimed biography of Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg. His book Hawke's Bay the history of a province won a J M Sherrard Award in local and regional history in 1996. Other titles include: Big Ideas: 100 wonders of New Zealand engineering; Behind Enemy Lines: Kiwi freedom fighters in World War II; Torpedoes: Kiwis at sea in World War II;Trains, Tunnels, Bridges: Icons of our New Zealand rail history; and Trucks Across New Zealand. He edited Escape: Kiwi POWs on the run in World War 2, Behind Enemy Lines and Torpedo! Matthew has been a published author for over 30 years, as an historian, reviewer and journalist, and has written on many topics, including travel guides, biography, engineering, and military and social history. He lives in Wellington with his wife, Judith.